David Weekley, chairman of the eponymous US house building company, used to think he was well-travelled and knowledgeable about the world. Then he went to China on an international programme designed for senior leaders.

“I found I had a pretty warped view of the world,” says the 55- year-old Texan entrepreneur. “When you reach a position of success, you're often surrounded by folks who tell you you're right about things and you often enjoy an elevated position of power and influence. This took me down a few notches.”

The visit was arranged by Leaders' Quest, a non-profit organisation that aims to improve the quality of leadership around the world by bridging divides between sectors and cultures. Mr Weekley's fellow participants included leaders from government, charities, business and academia in six countries. They visited Shanghai and then Chengdu in Sichuan province.